TEAM 21, nonprofit & local business prepare meals for community – School News Network

Multiple districts — Isaiah Valdez followed the instructions carefully: one scoop of rice, one scoop of meat, one scoop of beans and a sprinkle of cheese.

When it came time to fold the burrito, the Godfrey-Lee sixth grader turned to Amy Payne, co-owner of Two Guys Brewing, for guidance.

“Ok, so we want to roll it tight,” she told him. “Pull the top flap down, tuck in the sides and then roll it over to keep it wrapped.” 

Then she handed Isaiah a lid for the container.

Students from Godwin Heights and Godfrey-Lee middle schools who attend the TEAM 21 after-school program recently gathered to pack meals for the community.

The event was organized by the nonprofit HOPE Gardens, which partners with TEAM 21 to host gardens at both schools.

“This is a wonderful event because students from both schools are coming together to help prepare meals for people who live in their community,” said Eric Mockerman, TEAM 21 director. “We talked about how it could be their neighbors who come and get the meals and eat the food that they prepare.”

Two Guys Brewing, 2356 Porter St. SW, is known for its free community meals, which are available to anyone at the restaurant.

 ‘It is the best food because I made it with love.’

— Jeremiah Johnson, Godwin Heights sixth-grader

“We don’t judge need,” said Payne, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Tom. “It could be a mother who just needs a day from not cooking to someone in the community looking for a good meal.”

Part of HOPE Gardens’ goal is to build neighborhood connections through the organization’s school and community gardens, said Libby Mason, lead gardener and educator. 

Last fall, HOPE Gardens hosted a hands-on culinary event for TEAM 21 students at Godwin Heights Middle School. Organizers expanded on that effort in February with a program focused on preparing and sharing food with the Wyoming community, Mason said.

Students rotated through four stations: making a drink with simple syrup, creating bouquets, chopping vegetables for salsa and preparing burritos for community members. 

Students were able to take home burritos for their families. Extra burritos were donated to Two Guys Brewing for its community meals.

Godwin sixth-grader Eric Levingston said he came to the first event and has enjoyed practicing his knife skills by cutting up vegetables. 

“I like the opportunity to be able to prepare and share food with others,” Eric said. “It has been a lot of fun.”

Godwin Heights sixth-grader Jeremiah Johnson added a special ingredient.

“I know people are going to like this because I made the food for the people, and it is the best food because I made it with love,” he said. “So when they bite into it they are going to feel the love, and when they taste it they are going to know that I made it.”

Read more: 
• A real team player
• Snacking healthy: TEAM 21 students learn about the power of good eating